Topic: THIS IS NOT A PAPERWEIGHT, But What Is It???

[Patricia]

My local auction house was having a general sale with a lot of junk boxes to go through.
In one of them I spotted a (for Holland) very rare hyacinth vase between a lot of other glass, like a very old flask for instance. I went to the sales-day and with only one person in competition I won the box, pleased as punch because of my rare bulb vase.
Once home I had a good look at what else I had unwillingly bought and out came this item.
I had seen it before (just don't ask me where and when) and knew what it was. Googling the item I became flabbergasted at its rareness. They seem to be around in some other European countries as well, including England.
Something to put your teeth in this weekend (except for Ivo, as no doubt he will know the answer). It's diameter is 6.5cm, height is 4cm 
 
Patricia

[Lustrousstone]

I know. We've had one on here before. Should pay for your bulb vase  It's a smoothing stone

[Ivo]

I'm a blonde!

[wolkenreb]

You and me both Ivo. Is it for a door knob? 

[glassobsessed]

Target ball?

Perhaps not, aren't they usually hollow?

John

[Paul S.]

good find Patricia - Lustrousstone is quite right, and we have had them here previously although not for a long time it seems.    Don't think my wife would want to use one  -  thank goodness for electricity.

[Ohio]

A glass ironing/smoothing stone with a broken glass handle?

[Paul S.]

unlike linen smoothers, these may well not have had a handle originally, although I'm not certain of that.         The scar may well just be where the pontil iron was snapped free, rather than missing an extension.

[Patricia]

Yes, in English a linen smoother or a 'strijkglas' in Dutch.
Some guy at the university of Gent/Belgium wrote a thesus on them to get his degree in Archeology.
A most interesting story but unfortunately in Dutch. Nevertheless, here is the title of the book, it has some interesting pictures to look at: Strijkglazen in de Lage Landen by Frederik de Kreyger.
And Christine, like Ivo, you're never allowed to join a guessing game any more!! LOL

Patricia

[Ivo]

was it something I said?